Thursday, September 29, 2011

Overheard at my house :)

'mom, do you think I'm ready to be a soccer coach??' - conor

I called Erin 'blondie' the other day because... I'm sorry but at the age of 2... she is out there. Conor said "can we call her that forever?" ... i wont call you that again Erin - promise ;)

Last night Conor asked "who is coming to get me and bring me to Heaven when I die? God or Jesus?"

Conor said " how can I get to California? the people need to be rescued there and I am a rescue hero!"

Last night at bedtime he said he does not need to wear a pull up because Trevor does not wear one... I told him when he wakes up in a dry pull up three nights in a row he doesnt have to wear one anymore. Good luck on that one!

Conor went to K3 to be Mrs Jones helper today - he is excited to help and be the leader. That kid loves to be in charge... no idea where that comes from :)

I was getting the kids ready for bed last night and conor had snorkel goggles on and was holding his finding nemo surf board. He was jumping from the top bunk and trying to land and "swim" on the board. It might sound terrible but I find it so funny that he really thinks he can do these things. I draw the line when Erin is standing behind him and he is trying to convince her to hold on and his magic powers will make her fly. He wanted to bring his bunkbeds for show and tell today...

Andi likes boys named Jack more than boys name Conor.

It is precious to hear the thoughts from these children. Erin does not say much that I understand but she sure does smile and laugh alot and we laugh along with her!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

September in a nutshell

How was the Beth Moore Simulcast? Awesome! As one of the leaders, what I loved about it the most was how many volunteers gave their Saturday and ministered to so many! It was a blessing to be a part of the team! We had a lot of visitors. Our new Tue morning outreach group got to visit with a few of the visitors and one of the ladies joined the Fall Beth Moore Bible study :)
Our Tue morning outreach has been great because it keeps me on my toes. It keeps me seeing the needs of others and helps me not be as selfish as I can be. Yesterday we made some cakes,pies and cookies and went around the community and passed them out. It was so sweet to go to the fire department and say thanks for all they do and ask them how we can pray for them. I love it! That is an activity you can do with your children but some of the other stops would not be appropriate for the kiddos... Next week we are visiting a lady who just got an apartment and we know her from the rescue mission. We are having a house warming party for her and visiting her neighbors. I am so happy to have the chance to do this and love watching God work in people's lives and hearts.
We have some new volunteers coming with us to the Rescue Mission. What a blessing! There is a special angel, Amy, who works with the children. Please pray for her as that is a tough job! She has great help but would love some more! I am praying that some teen boys would volunteer to go there. These children love hanging out with the men. Alot of them do not have a daddy in their lives which is so sad.
I have been praying for someone to help me with my kids so that james and I can go to the rescue mission and not have to pay a babysitter each time. That might sound selfish but without family here we pay for a babysitter alot and believe me, it is well worth it. God sent someone to us who volunteered to watch our children while we go there. Wow - so thankful!!
The kids are enjoying school. Conor did not get a star the last two days at school. When I asked him why he was messing - he said because it is so fun to mess! Can I say trouble maker?! He is so smart though :) Erin is loving school and always good. We ask her about school each day and her answer is always "mrs jones" - no matter what you ask her! Hopefully next year she will know what is going on :) Conor told me he leaves the tv on for his teddies so that they don't get lonely... are you kidding me? we are not paying for your teddies to watch tv - ha!
Conor asked me yesterday when are we going to have another baby. I told him we have to train Erin some more first. He said are we going to help an orphan? He has a money bank in his room the shape/picture of the world. He is saving to give to the orphans. He comes out with this all by himself. It is precious to hear his heart for others and long may it continue. We are hoping to join a foster agency soon and get our license as foster parents. We hope to be foster parents Sep 2012 when Conor is in K5 and Erin is in K3 - I will have more time to devote to our new additions. We hope to foster for a year or two (children younger than Conor and Erin) and then be availabe to adopt. I don't mind having children for a few weeks and then giving them back... if I don't do it - who will? What will happen to the baby? I am excited to get the ball rolling but I know I need this time to invest in the two God has given me and to help ground them in the ways of God.
This may come across as a post blabbing all about me but I guess that is what blogs are for :) and I want to write this down bc it is a part of our family's journey. We have talked about being foster parents since before we were married and I am excited that the time is getting closer. There is a girl in my small group whose family just started foster care and she has asked prayer for two boys to settle in to their home. My heart leaps each time I hear of people caring for others like this and I cannot wait to join them.
We went to Layman's Farm last saturday. It was a beautiful day and we had fun! We went there last year with my two sisters. I just went home a few weeks ago so my heart doesnt ache anymore... that might sound terrible but I think my heart is full of gladness that I got to go so when I think of them I am still happy. I guess I will know when it is time to go home... when my heart starts aching. I just have to pray that their heart aches first and they fly over to me and save me the trip :) Well, i hope you have a great day and I hope you follow your God given dreams.
Blessings!

Monday, September 5, 2011

Where did August go????

I can't believe I let August go without saying a single word on here. I am sure you missed me :)
We have had such a great summer that I think I was just busy relaxing... and then I jumped on a plane and headed home to Ireland. It was such a blessing to go home and see my family. I have not been in the same room as my mam and sisters in three years so it was a delight to go to our childhood holiday spot together and laugh!
I have also been busy putting together an event for the ladies of Roanoke. We are hosting the Beth Moore Simulcast Sep 10 - this saturday :0) We are so excited to have over 250 ladies signed up... I think we will have 300 by the end of the week. Beth is speaking about the Love of God. I pray we all grow in our knowledge and relationship with our Heavenly Father this week.
Another ladies' ministry is starting up September 13th. We are going to meet in the Annex, pray for the lost and then go out and share our faith with the lost in our community. It is exciting to me because we are meeting at the same time as the women's Bible study - so we can share childcare. Alot of moms would like to get out in the community but are restricted with their little angels... this gives them/me the oppertunity :)
The kiddos started school a few weeks ago (K3 and K4). They both have Mrs. Jones as their teacher. We love Mrs Jones!
Our church hired a new music pastor and a new family pastor. Both families are precious and I am so very happy to minister along with so many wonderful people. We are blessed. Very blessed to be at SBC!